Legislators are pushing to improve the University of Maryland System Board of Regents’ transparency through proposing a bill that would add members and create other changes to increase openness.
Preparations underway for latest winter storm
The State Highway Administration started days ahead of the Wednesday’s snowfall to prepare roads around Maryland for the latest winter storm. Locals also made sure they were ready with snow removal supplies for the predicted snowfall of up to six inches.
Anne Arundel teen maintains silent State House protest to support the environment
14-year-old Kallan Benson is making her voice heard…through silence. The Crownsville teenager is staging her protest in the shadows of the Maryland State House through the entire 90 days of the legislative session. Kallan wants lawmakers to approve legislation calling for an amendment to the state constitution guaranteeing the public’s right to clean air, clean water and a clean environment.
Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants
The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.
Annual Montgomery County program helps with preparing women leaders for the future
The theme for this year’s annual Women’s Legislative Briefing, sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, was “Women Igniting and Achieving Change.” Elected officials, activists and future leaders spent the day on issues impacting women and young girls throughout the state.
Valentine’s Day’s roots are more than candy and roses
Roses, chocolates and cards are how we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, but that isn’t how it was celebrated in A.D. 269. Saint Valentine was known for bringing lovers together but was eventually martyred for it. February 14, the day of his death, is now what we know as Valentine’s Day.
Maryland state senator called to active duty during the legislative session
Montgomery County State Senator Will Smith is being deployed. Smith, a lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, will soon be on his way to Afghanistan ten days before the 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly wraps up.
Maryland Senate votes to return school start dates to local school boards
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in 2016, requiring Maryland’s public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. Now, Maryland senators are pushing back, approving legislation giving local public school boards throughout the state the authority, again, to determine the start and end date of the schools in their county. The measure now moves on to the House.
Local officials team up to push for hike in state’s minimum wage
Several county executives and the mayor of Baltimore joined together on Thursday to urge the legislature and Governor to support an effort to increase the statewide minimum wage to $15. Governor Larry Hogan says he’s open to the conversation but isn’t convinced it’s needed because of concerns of the impact it would have on some businesses.